The talented professionals working at EPIRE have over 100 years of combined experience in real estate development, investment and architecture
Alessandro Bonati
CEO AND FOUNDER
Alessandro serves as CEO of EPIRE, founded in 2013. Over the last 5 years, Alessandro led the company to an organic growth, accomplishing the development of over 160,000 square feet of residential and commercial space in the New York Metro Area, with evaluation in excess of $100 Million.
From 2013 to 2018, as Partner of real estate brand Colonnade Group, he executed a variety of successful residential and commercial projects in Manhattan totaling over 250,000 square feet and $250M in value, splitting his time between the construction field and executive meetings.
Mr. Bonati started his career in 2009 at Realty Vailog S.p.A., an Italian real estate investment holding listed on the Milan Stock Exchange: there he oversaw investments in a new development portfolio evaluated over $500M in Barcelona, Spain and New York City.
Alessandro’s strengths include development, real estate finance, property management and investor relations.
Mr. Bonati holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
George Altirs
CHAIRMAN & CO OWNER
Mr. Altirs is a Lebanese-American self-made serial entrepreneur, currently serving as President & CEO of his holding company, GMA Group.
Based in New York City, GMA Group counts over 7,000 employees in 8 different countries across 15 different industries, from fashion to professional sport, manufacturing, food & agriculture, entertainment and real estate.
The company is privately held and is focused on the long-term growth through a detailed management structure.
Mr. Altirs brings with him over 35 years of experience in a multitude of sectors, including real estate, where he owns and operates over 3,000,000 square feet of commercial real estate, including offices, sport complexes, and logistic parks.
In his role of Chairman and Co-Owner of EPIRE, he is directly involved in developing the vision and strategy of the company, as well as overseeing major monetary decisions, leveraging his strong relationships with the banking and financial sector.
He is an active philanthropist and sits on the Board of numerous corporations and non-for profit across Europe and the United States.
Paul Golden
VP OF CONSTRUCTION
Mr. Golden joined EPIRE in 2022 as consultant, bringing with him over 40 years of experience in the real estate and construction industry.
He is actively involved in all the major decisions pertinent to buildings’ construction and development, working with General Contractors and sub-contractor teams, assuring a smooth and efficient development process.
Prior to joining EPIRE, for over 30 years Mr. Golden owned and managed Alcon Group, a General Contracting company active in 5 different States, handling over 150 employees and teams of specialized workers involved in complex developments such as the World Bank Office Complex in Washington D.C.
More recently, Mr. Golden worked as owner’s representative and consultant in the construction of recreational, educational and sporting facilities in New Jersey and New York, totaling over 700,000 square feet.
Jessica Vara
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS
Jessica coordinates, manages, and implements all activities related to the successful project development from site evolution through completion of construction.
Prior to EPIRE, Jessica worked at distinguished and awarded architecture firms in New York City, SLCE among the others, specializing in ground up construction of affordable housing rentals, as well as high rise residential condominiums and the rehabilitation of existing units.
Her experience in these roles have left her with a keen understanding of NYC zoning, design guidelines, and construction administration.
Jessica holds a Bachelor Degree in the Science of Architecture and a Master Degree of Architecture from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Sophia Cosenza
Project Executive
Sophia Cosenza joined EPIRE as a Project Executive in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience from the architectural profession. At EPIRE, Sophia plays a pivotal role in ensuring that every phase of a development project's design and construction process meets the exacting standards of quality that EPIRE prides itself on.
With over ten years of experience in the architectural field, Sophia deeply understands feasibility analysis, zoning regulations, and project design. Her comprehensive knowledge extends to building assemblies and construction as well.
Before joining EPIRE, Sophia was a senior architect at Fogarty Finger Architects, a New York City-based multifamily residential and mixed-use architectural firm.
Sophia Cosenza earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where she cultivated her passion for architectural design and urban development.
Lily Maloof
GENERAL COUNSEL
Mrs. Maloof is General Counsel at EPIRE; she is in charge of compliance, risk management, legal representation, as well as a communication with external counsels, facilitating the negotiation, drafting, and execution of the numerous legal matters in which EPIRE is involved on a daily basis.
Mrs. Maloof comes with an extensive experience in corporate law, having served for a variety of different companies over the span of a 3-decade long career in the New York Metro Area. She currently works as Head Counsel at GMA Group, where she overseas the legal department and operations.
Lily is a registered attorney in the State of New York and obtained a Master at the prestigious St. John University School of Law, after graduating at Brooklyn College, NY.
